Federal High Court Admits Nine Key Exhibits in ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case Against Abubakar Malami, Family

Story: written by Springnewsng April 20,2026
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has admitted nine documentary exhibits in the ongoing money laundering trial involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside members of his family.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the documents on Monday during the resumed hearing of the high-profile case, following submissions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, concealment, and laundering of alleged illicit funds totaling ₦8,713,923,759.49, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The exhibits were tendered through a prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, who told the court that the documents were provided in response to EFCC requests concerning accounts linked to the defendants and associated firms.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), the witness explained that the bank submitted both electronic and physical records, covering multiple accounts tied to the defendants and companies, including Rayhaan Hotels Limited, Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited, Nashab Limited, Golden Age Global Ventures, and Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.
“My lord, the documents are nine,” the witness confirmed, noting his ability to identify them when presented in court.
Despite an initial objection from defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN), the court admitted the documents—dated between July 19, 2024, and March 12, 2026—as Exhibits D1 to D9.
Further testimony revealed detailed financial transactions across the accounts. The witness identified Exhibit D1 as containing account opening records and statements for accounts linked to Malami and A.A. Malami & Co, including both naira and dollar accounts.
According to the court, the accounts were active between 2015 and 2023, with inflows and outflows running into billions of naira. Notable entries included ₦194.7 million received on November 11, 2020, and ₦622.5 million credited on June 24, 2022, alongside multiple ₦250 million inflows in July 2022 and a ₦500 million transaction in December 2022.
Following the proceedings, defence counsel requested additional time to review the admitted exhibits and prepare for cross-examination.
“My lord, we need time to examine the nine exhibits,” Daudu submitted.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case to May 13, 2026, for continuation of trial.